Functions of paradata in data papers

Purpose The purpose of this article is to increase our understanding of data papers as research narratives, with a focus on the functions that paradata – information about data creation and management processes and their underlying reasons – have, apart from describing data processes. Design/methodology/approach Seven papers from archaeological data journals were selected based on the number of citations they have received specifically for the use of their associated data. The paradata in the seven papers were analysed through close readings of them as narratives, and prominent functions were identified and examined. Findings Three expressive paradata functions were found in the data paper narratives, contributing to the papers’ arguments for the usefulness of the datasets, to the tone of the data papers and to the papers’ construction of credibility. Originality/value We are aware of no previous studies of paradata as part of data paper narratives or of any studies of data papers employing close reading as an analytical tool.